chapter 2: The trip

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**Chapter 2: The Trip**

The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow on the campus as Yang and Blake walked to their first class. The air buzzed with the excitement of students moving between buildings, chatting, and laughing. Despite the lively atmosphere, Yang couldn't shake the unease lingering from his nightmare.

"Where's your head at, man?" Blake asked, nudging Yang as they crossed the quad.

"Still thinking about that dream," Yang replied, adjusting the strap of his backpack. "It was just so... vivid. It's like I can still hear the beast's growl."

Blake gave him a sympathetic look. "You'll be alright. Maybe we just need a distraction. What do you say we take a trip this weekend? Get away from campus for a bit."

Yang raised an eyebrow. "A trip? Where?"

"Remember that old hiking trail up in the mountains? We haven't been there since freshman year," Blake suggested, a glint of excitement in his eyes.

Yang considered it for a moment. A change of scenery might do him some good. "Alright, I'm in. But if we get lost, it's on you."

Blake laughed. "Deal. I'll make sure we have everything we need. Meet me at the parking lot after our last class."

The day passed in a blur of lectures and assignments. Yang tried to focus, but his thoughts kept drifting back to his nightmare and the upcoming trip. By the time his last class ended, he felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

He met Blake in the parking lot, where Blake was loading up his old, reliable SUV with supplies. "Got everything?" Yang asked.

"Yep. Tents, sleeping bags, food, and plenty of water. We'll be set for the weekend," Blake replied, slamming the trunk shut. "Ready to go?"

Yang nodded, climbing into the passenger seat. As they drove out of the campus and toward the mountains, the tension in Yang's chest began to ease. The familiar sights of the city gave way to winding roads and lush greenery. The dense forest on either side of the road was a comforting reminder of nature's beauty.

The sun was beginning to set as they reached the trailhead. They parked the SUV and unloaded their gear, the crisp mountain air filling their lungs. "Feels good to be back," Blake said, stretching his arms.

Yang smiled. "Yeah, it does. I almost forgot how peaceful it is up here."

They started their hike, following the winding path deeper into the forest. Birds chirped overhead, and the rustling of leaves created a soothing symphony. As they walked, they chatted about everything from their classes to their plans for the future, the conversation flowing easily between them.

After a couple of hours, they reached a clearing with a breathtaking view of the valley below. "This looks like a good spot to set up camp," Blake suggested, dropping his backpack.

Yang agreed, and they quickly set up their tents and gathered firewood. As dusk settled in, they built a small fire and sat around it, enjoying the warmth and the stars beginning to appear in the sky.

"This was a good idea," Yang admitted, leaning back on his hands. "Thanks for convincing me to come."

Blake grinned. "Anytime, man. It's nice to get away from everything once in a while."

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the crackling of the fire and the sounds of the forest creating a serene backdrop. But as the night grew darker, Yang's thoughts drifted back to his nightmare. He glanced at Blake, who seemed to be lost in thought as well.

"Do you really think dreams can be messages from the gods?" Yang asked, breaking the silence.

Blake looked at him thoughtfully. "I don't know. Maybe. There are so many stories and myths about it. Who's to say what's true and what's not?"

Yang sighed. "It just feels so real. Like something is trying to tell me something."

Blake nodded. "Well, if it happens again, we'll figure it out together. For now, let's just enjoy this trip."

Yang smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Blake."